“Until my last breath.”
This is how Pope John Paul II described his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church.
He recently has been subject to rumors that he was going to be asked to step down from the highest seat in the church because of his advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease.
However, the Pope denied those rumors with confidence.
He presided over the beatification of Mother Theresa yesterday as a part the celebration that commemorates his 25th year as the Pontiff.
He had other high-ranking cardinals read his sermon for him in order to conserve his strength.
This would mark the first time during his papacy that he would not read any of his homily during a major papal ceremony.
Some may think this is a tell-tale sign that it is time for him to pass on the robes.
Oppositely, I think he stands as an example to us all.
By making every effort to fulfill his duties as Pope, he serves as an example of dedication and faithfulness that cannot be said in words.
Just because he cannot physically read what he writes because he runs out of breath or slurs his words does not mean he is not of sound enough mind to be the figure head for the close to one billion Catholics that inhabit the world.
The fact is everyone’s health fails them at times.
He realizes he has a job to do. This is a testament to all of us who neglect to wake up when we are affected by something like a cold or a headache.
I think we can all learn something from the Pope – not just Catholics.
He has made every effort possible to make this world a better place to live.
He – unlike so may others – refuses to let a minor setback be the end of his life-long ministry.
I would argue that he has stayed as busy now as he was during the first year of his papacy.
I certainly don’t blame the Pope for his tenacity.
The Pope truly is living every day of his life.
I often wonder. Will I be able to say that I lived my life every day when it is my time to go?
The Pope made a promise to the world when he accepted his position and he is not about to forget his promise when the world needs him the most.
I have been thinking about death a lot lately and I have come to the conclusion that death is only when you leave this earth – not something you live in fear of.
Pope John Paul II is doing exactly what he said he was going to do – and the people who are calling for his resignation are failing to see what the Pope does for a living.
He is supposed to be a living example of the life of Christ and he is supposed to lead the Catholic church.
Mission accomplished.
The Pope is saying more than he ever has – and those who believe can hear him loud and clear.
Saint Francis of Assissi said it best.
He said we should proclaim the gospel wherever we go … if necessary, use words.
As long as the Pope is up for it, I will be right behind him.